Course Overview
Presented by NSK
Aim
To provide an evidence-based overview of the diagnosis, classification and management of periodontitis, highlighting the importance of recognising complexity factors, making appropriate specialist referrals, and communicating effectively with patients to support optimal clinical outcomes.
Learning objectives
By the end of this article, the reader should be able to:
- Describe the current evidence-based criteria for diagnosing and classifying periodontitis.
- Identify key periodontal complexity factors that indicate the need for specialist referral following initial non-surgical periodontal therapy.
- Recognise the evidence supporting advanced periodontal treatment options for complex cases, including regenerative procedures and management of furcation involvement and ridge defects.
- Apply effective communication strategies to explain referral decisions and the wider systemic implications of periodontitis to patients.